Wednesday, July 2, 2008

AMMAN, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Amman Prosecutor General Hassan Abdallat on Tuesday subpoenaed Dutch MP Geert Wilders to stand trial for posting the so-called anti-Islam film "Fitna" on the Internet in March, local daily Jordan Times reported on Wednesday.

According to the indictment, Wilders is charged with five counts including blasphemy and contempt of Muslims.

"As the defendant is not present in Jordan and has no address in the country, I hereby decide to subpoena the defendant, who shall be notified by the Dutch embassy in Amman through the minister of justice," Abdallat stated.

This judicial note obligates Wilders either to appear in person before the Jordanian judiciary or appoint an attorney to represent him at hearing sessions, he explained.

If found guilty, Wilders would be sentenced up to three years in jail, according to Osama Bitar, lawyer for a campaign which filed the suit.

Earlier last month, Abdallat subpoenaed several Danish journalists and editors involved in republication of the offensive cartoons.

Did I read that right? Wilders could face jail time for blasphemy in a country he doesn't even live in?

What century are we living in? And his country is going to allow him to be prosecuted for criticizing a violent religion?

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The Amiable Atheist is more of a goal than a reality. The blog began due to my interests in atheism but may branch out to any other topic that inspires me at any given moment. I appreciate your visit and your comments.